Warm Drinks

To Replace Coffee This October

Quick Summary

Hate coffee crashes or the bitter taste, or just looking to wean off the caffeine haze? Then these warm (or hot) drinks will warm you up real quick! These drinks have a host of benefits, from sustained energy to a nutritional kick. So, what makes these drinks below so special? Dive into to find out

Deep Dive

The coffee substitutes market is projected to reach $22 billion by 2035, driven by wellness-focused consumers seeking alternatives that do more than just caffeinate. Functional beverages are gaining traction as people seek drinks that deliver both flavour and wellness benefits. As the seasons shift and your body craves different support – whether it's spices or something herby – these alternatives offer targeted healing properties beyond the coffee buzz.

Rooibos Tea

This South African herbal tea is rich in antioxidants and completely caffeine-free, making it an excellent alternative to black and green tea. Rooibos contains unique polyphenols like aspalathin along with antioxidants and compounds that reduce inflammation, promote weight loss, and help prevent cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Its naturally caffeine-free nature makes it perfect for evening consumption, as it helps relax the body and mind, promoting better sleep quality without disrupting rest.

Chicory Coffee

Made from roasted chicory root, this beverage contains inulin, a prebiotic fibre that supports gut health and may help lower inflammation and improve blood sugar levels. Unlike decaffeinated coffee, which may contain trace caffeine, chicory coffee is completely caffeine-free and offers digestive benefits through its prebiotic content. Its robust, slightly bitter flavour resembles coffee's taste, making it one of the most satisfying substitutes.

Haldi Doodh

The classic, feel-good drink, haldi doodh, has turmeric that gives the drink its signature golden colour through curcumin, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound. When combined with black pepper, curcumin's bioavailability is significantly enhanced, creating a health elixir that reduces inflammation. Used for centuries in Ayurveda for healing and immunity, this traditional drink is widely valued for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom add more flavour and digestive benefits to this soothing beverage.

Ginger Tea

Adrak or ginger tea has gingerol, which is ginger root's natural component, that benefits gastrointestinal motility, encouraging efficient digestion so food doesn't linger in the gut. Ginger has a long history as an effective and safe treatment for nausea and vomiting, particularly from pregnancy or chemotherapy, and is also effective at relieving bloating, intestinal gas, and motion sickness. This makes it an excellent drink to enjoy in the morning or evening for seasonal wellness and warming the body.

Matcha

There’s more to the match story, beyond the popularity and consequent global shortage.  Matcha contains the amino acid L-theanine, which has been associated with improved concentration and alertness, along with polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory effects. L-theanine allows bodies to more slowly absorb matcha's natural caffeine, resulting in a three to six-hour period of energy without the crash or jitters that may come with other caffeinated drinks. Matcha boasts much higher levels of L-theanine than other types of green tea, providing calm focus and relaxed alertness, perfect for productive mornings.

Barley Tea

An east asian classic, barley tea mugicha is known as a natural antacid that helps ease painful heartburn, and barley grains contain high levels of fibre that help with constipation and boost healthy bowel movements. Packed with antioxidants, barley tea is great for protecting the skin by reducing free radical production and pigmentation. Barley contains significant levels of melatonin, a hormone that helps you feel relaxed and sleepy, making it ideal for evening consumption during seasonal transitions when sleep patterns may be disrupted.

Hot Cider

The polyphenols in apple cider act as antioxidants that help fight free radicals in your body, lowering your chance of oxidative stress and cell damage while easing your risk of certain types of cancers. Apple cider contains heart-healthy polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and diets rich in polyphenol-containing foods can promote cardiovascular health and protect against disease development. The warming spices typically added to hot cider provide additional digestive and circulatory benefits, making it a comforting seasonal beverage.

Moringa Latte

Moringa leaves are packed with 27 essential vitamins, nine amino acids, and 46 antioxidants, supporting natural energy, skin health, gut comfort, and daily wellness. Medicinally, organic moringa is known for its high concentration of antioxidants and its ability to balance blood sugar, improve cardiovascular health, and address inflammation. Rich in iron, moringa helps keep your immune system strong and fights off tiredness and fatigue. Unlike matcha, moringa is caffeine-free, making it perfect for those seeking an energy boost without stimulants.

Mate (Yerba Mate)

Like coffee and other teas, yerba mate stimulates the nervous system and is most commonly consumed as an energy booster, having been enjoyed for centuries by people across South America. Yerba mate contains antioxidant compounds such as caffeoyl derivatives and polyphenols, which may protect against heart disease and help reduce cholesterol levels. Yerba mate ingestion is also touted to burn fat and help keep you energetic during exercise, making it excellent for active lifestyles and morning energy needs.

Hibiscus Tea

Apart from its vivid colour and trademark sour-ish taste, hibiscus tea is rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and anthocyanins, which help protect the body against cellular damage caused by free radicals and are essential for reducing oxidative stress, supporting immune function, and promoting skin and overall health. Clinical trials show that drinking hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure in humans, and it may also help lower bad cholesterol and aid in weight management.

Give Coffee A Much-Needed Break

Coffee is amazing, but your taste buds and body could use a break, and these wholesome drinks might appeal to you. Some have caffeine, some are devoid of it, but each brings its own benefits and makes for a perfect start to the day or as your evening companion to unwind and relax.